 When
I upgraded to Windows 95 I had the following problem --how to let my younger
children use the computer without allowing them access to my other programs.
It also had to be easy for them to run their programs. I found the answer
to my problem in Tamper Proof PC (TPPC) by Expert Software. Through the
use of passwords TPPC allows you to create a desktop for many different
users each with access only to their designated files.
System Requirements for TPPC include:
I checked Expert's webpage at http://www.expertsoftware.com before I installed the program to determine if the additional programs were automatically added or if you were given options to install or not. I could not find any reference to Tamper Proof PC. With some trepidation I proceeded with the install and was relieved to find that TPPC put icons in the start menu to install the AT&T service and Cyber Patrol. It is nice to have the options in case you later decide you need these programs. I like to be able to customize the programs I want. Adobe Acrobat is provided to read the on-line manual. The on-line manual provides a fairly straightforward explanation of the program's options accompanied with descriptive pictures of the actual screens. The on-line manual is presented in an index format. You click on the topic you want and are immediately linked to your topic. TPPC opens up to an administrator's screen that allows you to create desktops for each user and to customize access according to needs. You are able to set a daily time limit for each user and even set a time limit on specific programs. So it is possible to allow unlimited access to a word processing program and to limit games to 30 minutes. You are able to monitor if your PC was used for games or homework. A daily log records which files were used, by whom and for how long. I monitor my kid's usage so I chose not to set up the reports file. It allows for three levels of security, no security which allows unlimited access, light security -- security controls are in place but TPPC is set up as an application, and strong security --security controls are in place and launches TPPC as the default desktop.I chose light security. The first time you launch TPPC you are given an option to look at the sample desktop or to create a new desktop. I created a new desktop called Kid's Stuff. Afterward I chose a master password that overrides all passwords. TPPC allows you to set up a password for explorer, to exit individual programs, to exit TPPC, and even viewing the help file. I chose to leave all of these alone but kept an administrator's password. Setting up programs was relatively easy. From the programs menu you can add programs by dragging and dropping from explorer, manually typing in the program path and name under File to Run, or clicking on browse and choosing which application you want. I used the browse method to add several programs. I was now ready for a test run. I added several programs and tested them to see if the program worked as advertised. I had no problems entering or leaving them. The real proof of whether this program works was to let my son test it. He locked up the screen in about two minutes. I tried the few ways I knew to unfreeze it without success. I was forced to reboot my system and (gulp) try to recreate what he had done. I was unable to recreate his exact actions and still do not know the cause. However, on subsequent trial runs with my son no program locked up. I am inclined to believe it was the mixture of native DOS programs running under Windows 95 that caused the lockup rather than TPPC itself. I did have to teach my son to close the window on the DOS programs so that the programs would return to TPPC. I would recommend Tamper Proof PC to anyone with children because it basically does as advertised. It allows you to customize access to specific programs. I found Tamper Proof PC at CompUSA for $12.95. It is well worth that price. Tamper Proof PC was developed by Expert Software, Inc., 800 Douglas Rd. Coral Gables, Fl 33134. Telephone (305) 567-9990. Tom Bilderback lives on the southwest side of San Antonio with his wife Liz and three children. He has been a member of Alamo PC since 1994. |